DPS trooper struck by car in Colorado County

A DPS trooper is in critical condition this New Year's Eve after getting struck by an SUV while tending to a car wreck in Colorado County.

It happened around 3:30pm Monday as the deputy was working a weather-related accident scene at FM 102 and Wilson Hill Road.

Authorities say the trooper was outside of his squad car reaching into the window when a speeding SUV trying to make a turn lost control and slammed into the side of the trooper's car, striking him.

The officer was taken to Oak Bend Hospital in critical condition. Emergency responders had to give the trooper an oxygen tube as they transported him, but a CT scan showed no bleeding on the brain, which is what they were concerned about. He was then transported to Memorial Hermann.

The 25-year-old driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital in Columbus with minor injuries. They say he did not appear to be driving under the influence, but he may be charged failure to control speed for condition.